What's this new 1234YF Air Con Gas​​Q. What's this new 1234YF Air Con Gas and why the change from R134 Gas?A. The simple answer is because R134a, which is a greenhouse gas like carbon dioxide, can leak into the air if a vehicle is crashed or improperly repaired. R134a has a "global warming potential" of 1,430, meaning it is 1,430 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.In the European Union, a refrigerant with a global warming potential of less than 150 is required in all new models certified after Jan. 1, 2013, under Europe's "type approval" process. Starting on Jan. 1, 2017, the mandate will cover all new passenger cars.

Q. What's the difference between R-1234yf vs HFO-1234yfA. Nothing, currently there are only two manufacturers of these gasses and they have both decided to make the same gas and giving them two different names. Honeywell call it Solstice® yf (HFO-1234yf) and DuPont call it Opteon YF (R1234yf)

Q. So why is it now more expensive for an air con recharge if my car has the new 1234yf gas A. I suppose with all new technology, innovation comes at a premium. However, I would suggest if you were to ask Honeywell or DuPont they would suggest this is down to many factors which could include many years of research and development which more than likely has come at a considerable financial expense.

Q. Will the price of a 1234yf air con gas recharge reduce in the future?A. It's inevitable that the price of the new 1234yf gas will reduce at some point, as more vehicles are produced with the new gas this will increase demand and the price will be driven down.

Q. Can any garage replace or recharge my air con system if I have the new 1234yf Gas?A. Only if the garage has invested in the latest air conditioning service equipment. The majority of air con service machines only recharge the current refrigerant, R-134a. Here at Beamish Street Garage in Stanley we have the latest air conditioning equipment suitable for recharging the current leading refrigerant, R-134a as well as the new 1234YF Gas.

Q. How do I know if the garage is adhering the correct government regulations regarding the correct handling of the air con refrigerant gas.A. All garages have to undergo the correct training and accreditation to handle the gas safely and in the correct manner. If in doubt ask the garage to show you the gas handling certification to authenticate the technician's qualification.

ConclusionHere at Beamish Street Garage, we offer a professional Air Con Service, using the recommended A/C equipment ensuring the service is done to the manufacturer's specifications.When having your A/C system professionally serviced, insist on proper repair procedures and quality replacement parts. Insist on recovery and recycling so that refrigerant can be reused and not released into the atmosphere.